Guy Gagnon, one of this year's finalists for the O'Brien Award of Horsemanship, notched his fifth driving win of the night aboard Unabating in Rideau Carleton Raceway's Sunday, Dec. 13 feature.
There was a cavalry charge off the gate in the ninth race, $6,950 Winners Over Handicap Trot and the early leavers were still three-wide at the :28 opening quarter with Unabating and Gagnon following just behind the wall of horses. Creampuff Macdaddy eventually made the front ahead of Four Starz Speed with Heres The Magic settling in third. But then Unabating went first over from fourth and confronted 'Creampuff' past the :58.3 midway mark before clearing down the backstretch. Unabating began to separate himself from the field en route to three-quarters in 1:28.1 by three lengths, which proved to be enough to hold off his rivals down the lane for the 1:59 victory over the 'good' track. Uncle Freddie was a quick-closing second, finishing a quarter-length behind the winner, while Caroluzzo came on for third.
Unabating paid $6.60 to win as the race favourite. The seven-year-old Broadyway Hall gelding is now a 10-time winner this year for trainer Gerard Demers and owners Catheline Pelletier and Les Ecuries Gld Inc.
Gagnon teamed up with Demers for three of his Sunday night victories, also driving College Major ($5.70) and Come Monday ($3.70) to wins in their respective races. The Gatineau, Que. horseman also won with I C Anastro ($4.80) for trainer David Robson and his own trainee Pridecrest ($5.50), who took a new mark of 1:58.4 fresh off the claim.
Gagnon, who is currently on track to win the driving title at Rideau Carleton Raceway while sitting fourth in the trainer standings, is one of this year's O’Brien Award of Horsemanship candidates. The other finalists for the national award are Dr. Ian Moore of Guelph, Ont. and Travis Cullen of Airdrie, Alta.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.